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Few things in life are more perfect than the Princess of Wales’s hair. Whether cascading in her signature bouncy blowdry or swept up into an elegant chignon, Kate Middleton’s locks are the crowning glory of modern royal style.
Whether it is a royal tour, a state banquet, or even a casual engagement, Kate’s hair never fails to steal the show. And while we adore her glossy, gravity-defying waves, it’s her sophisticated updos that truly showcase her impeccable sense of style and royal poise.
Not every chignon is the same, of course. The princess knows how to switch things up, expertly playing with texture and braids, or incorporating a hat to give the style a fresh twist, proving that when it comes to regal hair, the only way is up.
By sticking to this classic updo, Kate ensures that her hair is always polished and windproof, with no unexpected gusts messing with her immaculate look.
Royal hairdresser Jo Hansford, who was recently granted a prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment in recognition of services supplied to the Royal Household explains what makes Kate’s updos so special.
‘The essence of elegance and sophistication is embodied by the Princess of Wales, serving as an iconic inspiration for women and this is reflected in her carefully selected hairstyles for special occasions.’
Most recently at St Patrick’s Day, Catherine took her hair to another level with a hidden message woven into it.
Wearing her hair up for the first time in 2025, her intricate chignon looked like it was created to depict a Triquetra which is also known as an Irish Trinity Knot.
Elegant Triquetra Pleats
Catherine is known for her intricate updos but at this year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade she took her style to another level when her intricate chignon was woven into a Triquetra
The Triquetra is a celtic knot sign also known as an Irish Trinity Knot, the three-cornered symbol connects deeply with the power of three and is a design element popular in Irish jewellery
The Princess of Wales attended the Irish Guard’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade at Wellington Barracks in London, 2025
This was no ordinary chignon, it was an architectural masterpiece. The three-cornered pleated style connects deeply with the power of three and is often found as a design element in popular Irish jewellery.
To achieve a perfect updo like the Princess of Wales, hair preparation is essential. ‘It is always better to work with hair that is not freshly washed as it holds the style better, ideally at least one day old hair is best,’ explains Hansford
‘Backcombing is the most effective way to add volume and structure, brushing as close to the root as possible so the top still looks shiny and sleek.’
Hansford continues, ‘updos require skill and practice, and Catherine will likely know which ones hold better and look best on her.’
Wispy Low Chignon
Catherine’s low chignon was framed with wispy strands of hair Her hair was tucked under to create a faux bun at the back with pieces from each side swirled, curled, and pinned over the top
Side-Swept Twist
Pulling her hair into a side-swept chignon for a Service of Commemoration in 2015, Kate twisted two sections of hair into a sleek bun at the nape of her neck which sat off centre to the side. The placement of her bun perfectly mirrored the angle of her Jane Taylor hat allowing it to take centre stage
Knotted Chignon
For the 2015 St Patrick’s Day Parade, Catherine styled a complicated knotted bun that complemented her simple accessories and outfit. The braids were twisted and swirled all the way up the back of her head to create one of her highest chignons that neatly sat beneath her Lock & Co pillbox hat
Pretzel Bun
Attending a wreath-laying ceremony at a war memorial on the royal family’s Sandringham estate, Kate rolled her hair down each side to meet in the middle for a sophisticated pretzel bun. Sweeping waves pinned at the sides framed her face to complete the look which was topped with a recycled Lock & Co hat
Coronation Chignon
The Princess of Wales stunned with her chic updo at the King’s Coronation, spiking interest online with searches for ‘Kate Middleton’s Coronation hair’ up by 600 percent in the following seven days.
The architectural masterpiece was woven with precision and designed to hold her glittering Jess Collett for Alexander McQueen headpiece in place
Braided Bun
For Trooping the Colour last year, Kate showcased a dramatic low side chignon which was constructed from interlocking braids. The strands were styled with delicate precision, criss-crossed together for a sophisticated twist. Worn slightly off centre it allowed her dramatic Philip Treacy wide brim hat to be worn at an angle
Triple Knot Side Bun
Turning heads on Anzac Day in 2019 with an intricately styled triple knot side bun, Kate proved that once again she is the undisputed queen of timeless glamour. The sophisticated take on the classic chignon featured three knots woven seamlessly together which were swept to the side to complement the angle of her Rosie Olivia Millinery fascinator
Double Twist Roll
Showcasing her flawless sense of style, Kate opted for a meticulously styled double twist roll chignon for Queen Elizabeth’s Platinum Jubilee celebrations in 2022. Her glossy brunette locks were expertly twisted and rolled into an intricate chignon, ensuring her Philip Treacy hat sat effortlessly in place.
Royal hairdresser Jo Hansford, who was recently granted a prestigious Royal Warrant of Appointment in recognition of services supplied to the Royal Household
Think achieving a chic chignon at home takes hours? Think again! The effortlessly elegant updo, can be created in just minutes, making it the perfect go-to style for any occasion.
Using kirby grips and pins in the same colour as your hair, together with a hairnet for some styles, a DIY version of Kate’s sophisticated salon styles can be achieved in under 15 minutes.
Jo Hansford concludes that the Princess of Wales is the master of knowing what style is appropriate for every occasion, and she always has the perfect balance of something either structured or loose depending on the event.
‘She dresses for her age but is always stylish and a leader rather than a follower. Summer is all about fun and embracing the beauty of the blossoming season, so it would be lovely to see Catherine experimenting with softer, more carefree chignon styles as we move through the year.’
- For details contact Johansford.com
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